Anyone read the manual?

I was hitting the books tonight and was surprised by the Sonar Reference Manual.
 
So much stuff in there that I still come across for the first time. SO MUCH STUFF! The new features section of the manual is now about 250 pages long. There's a doc for every feature that's been added. I don't know when a new feature becomes a used feature but I think the list goes back to the Gibson purchase.
 
I know that I would be working more efficiently had I kept up with my reading. I only just learned that I could create custom fade curves. I've always just used the clip handle and thought there we 3 curves. I can't be alone in my ignorance. 
 
Personally, I think the manual could be laid out more efficiently. There's things that I consider basic functions that aren't addressed until 1,100 pages in. I'm sure that it's on Cakewalk's To-Do list, and it won't be a small task to get the "New Features" integrated. Regardless of any short comings, I urge everyone to check out the Reference Manual to see how much has changed.

I've read the manual in drips and drabs when I've had to look up stuff out of necessity, however I was put off reading it all the way through when I tried to do so a few years ago and found so many errors and stuff that was just plain wrong. It was a source of much frustration and I started to worry that I was picking up lots of erroneous info. I'm also not a fan of manuals that are full of hyperlinks which have you running around in circles from one article to another. 

The last manual I read from cover to cover was Sonar 3XL.  It was a big release for me, but I agree with tenfoot, it's a lot more productive to use the online searchable knowledge base now. 

I agree with you, James. The old references should be removed. As a new Sonar Artist user, I'm really put at a disadvantage because of the "legacy" info, and most of the new information in the knowledge base seems to be mostly for Pro and Platinum users.
I am constantly getting stuck with what should be simple processes like inserting and configuring soft synths. Sometimes it works, then I do what I think is the same thing, and no sound emits from the track. So I'm left fumbling from here to there until I might finally get it working.
There are too damned many links. I find I have to continue on the page/subject that I'm trying to understand, jot down the name of the link, then go to it when I've gotten all I can get from the page that I'm currently on.
As Logic Pro (Mac) is my primary DAW and just using Sonar to record my vocalist, which is the main reason I bought it, as she has a Windows computer, I find Sonar (and Windows) somewhat convoluted. I'm getting there though, and I like many of the features in the program. I can't complain since I got it for $49.00. (I had Sonar LE 8.5 that I got with my purchase of the SD-50 Sound Canvas some years back.) Any one who knows of some Sonar Artist specific tutorials, please pass the info along. Will be greatly appreciated.
 

sharke
I often Google for Sonar knowledge but that's has its own issues - more often than not the results direct you to outdated Cakewalk articles for the likes of X2 and X3.

+1 to this.
This happens to me so frequent that I had to add the platinum help shortcut to my favorites bar.
But this doesn't always work when trying to search something out. because like James said, search results end up giving you X2 or X3 help and while some of it still pertains, so much has changed with platinum that its enough to drive a person all nuts and bolts.
 
Agree with John though, the manual has some great info. Sunday night I read the whole section on Region FX / ARA integration.
Drum Replacer, Vocal Synch, Melodyne. There is a lot of cool features (hidden gems) that are not so well known.
 
Though I still cant find that shortcut for Drum Replacer.
CNTRL+M = Opens Melodyne
SHIFT+V= Opens Vocal Synch
 ?  = Opens Drum Replacer ?

I actually had a look at "Delete Hole" yesterday; still couldn't get it working.
But, Anyone read the manual?
You are $hittin' me; right?
I don't ask for "directions" either; so...
 
T

Hi,
When updating everything via command center,it says[I can see it] updating Sonar PDF,but when I go to the full on Platinium PDF it says by date it is STILL THE ONE from 2015,where can I get the updated 250 page Platinum Manual manually?
Thank You
Bob
 
When I go to Cakewalk Online Help
Documentation is available for the following products,IT ONLY GOES TO X3!? Is this an in joke or what? where is this 250 Page PLATINUM Manual? Please.

Had to download the 600+ meg "local documentation" to get the 53 meg Reference file.  
 
Anyone know how to delete the other 550 megs I didn't want?  

Brian Walton
Had to download the 600+ meg "local documentation" to get the 53 meg Reference file.  
 
Anyone know how to delete the other 550 megs I didn't want?  

Delete the installer. The installer includes all the language options but only installs the one defined in your setup.

scook

Brian Walton
Had to download the 600+ meg "local documentation" to get the 53 meg Reference file.  
 
Anyone know how to delete the other 550 megs I didn't want?  

Delete the installer. The installer includes all the language options but only installs the one defined in your setup.

Thanks, I wasn't sure what else unpacked, since it doesn't let you selectively install anything.